The light rail system project proposed by Rize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RTSO) President Şaban Aziz Karamehmetoğlu for the Rize coast has sparked transportation discussions in the city. Rize City Minibus Cooperative President İsmail Uzunsakal, who participated in these discussions, evaluated the proposal as “sounding like a modern solution, but it is far from being realistic under current conditions.”
“Population and Demand Do Not Support Light Rail”
President Uzunsakal drew attention to the high costs of light rail system projects and emphasized that in order for such an investment to be economically sustainable, there must be a population of at least 400.000 in the center of Rize and the system must have a capacity to carry 6.000 passengers per hour. However, Uzunsakal stated that Rize's current population density and transportation demand are far from meeting these conditions and said, "It is inevitable that such an investment will create an irreversible economic burden."
Metrobus Project is a More Viable Alternative
President Uzunsakal reminded that in response to the light rail system proposal, metrobus system projects planned to be implemented by the relevant institutions at lower costs are on the agenda. Uzunsakal stated that the work on the Express Line No. 6 project, which covers the route from Alipaşa to Gündoğdu and the City Hospital, is ongoing, and that this project aims to provide a faster and more economical solution to current transportation problems and stands out as a much more applicable alternative compared to the light rail system.
Call to President Karamehmetoğlu to Focus on Fundamental Problems
Uzunsakal called on RTSO President Karamehmetoğlu to produce projects focused on solutions to Rize’s more urgent and fundamental problems. Uzunsakal argued that it was not right to approach the public with imaginary projects while urgent needs such as the completion of the Ovit Tunnel, increasing airport services and improving urban transportation have not yet been resolved. He said, “The President should take concrete steps to meet the real needs of the people and address the city’s infrastructural deficiencies.”
Economical and Practical Solutions to Traffic Congestion Are a Must
Emphasizing that traffic congestion in Rize is increasing day by day and that urgent solutions should be produced for this problem, İsmail Uzunsakal stated that instead of large investments such as the light rail system, economic and applicable projects that will relieve the city should be implemented.
More Support Should Be Given to Tradesmen and Tourism Projects
Uzunsakal also stated that in order for Rize to gain a livable city identity, more space should be given to tradesmen's commercial projects. He stated that supporting small and medium-sized businesses in the city will both revitalize the economy and increase the quality of life of citizens. Uzunsakal also stated that there is a great need for tourism projects in Rize's growth and development process, and said that Rize's natural beauties and cultural riches can become an important center of attraction in tourism with the right investments. He added that Mayor Karamehmetoğlu should focus on realistic projects that will attract more tourists to the region and increase the economic well-being of the local people.
